THE GAME OF THEIR LIVES (Released to Theaters USA 2005)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì  The Game of Their Lives—beginning of the professional American soccer team —has both suitable presentation and portrayal. Watch for Gerard Butler in one of his earlier works and John Rhys-Davies in one of his mid career works. Watch and listen for some very good dialogue and suitable/good acting.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline The newly formed American Soccer team plays against the long established British team.    Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director David Anspaugh for directing effort.  Thank you to Producers Howard  Baldwin, Karen Baldwin, Ginger Perkins, Peter Newman for making the film possible. Cast includes Peter Newman, Gerard Butler, Wes Bentley, Jay Rodan, Galvin Rossdale, Patrick Stewart, TerryKinney, and John Rhys-Davies. Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. It is a suitable watch. Video Critique Available Ben Meyers

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (Theatrical Release USA 1981)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Starsìììì

Raiders of the Lost Ark has mesmerized audiences, as of this 2018 writing, for 37 years and continues to be the definition of action/adventure films based on its unique storyline, well-written script, perfectly timed sequencing, exotic stage settings, casting choices, ‘fresh’ action scenes, and satisfying breaks of unforgettable comedy. Kudos to Director Steven Spielberg and Producer George Lucas for creation of an entirely satisfying saga.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Nazis search for the Ark of the Covenant, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) finds it, and the fight is on to establish control of the priceless archaeological find.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Howard G. Kazanjian and George Lucas for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Marion (Karen Allen), Bellog (Paul Freeman), Toht (Ronald Lacey), Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), Brody (Denholm Elliott), Sapito (Alfred Molina), Dietrich (Wolf Kahler), Gobler (Anthony Higgins), Barranca/Monkey Man (Vic Tablian), and Colonel Musgrove (Don Fellows).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film serves the whole family well.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ALADDIN AND THE KING OF THIEVES (Released to VHS USA 1996)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  Aladdin and the King of Thieves—terrific one-liners—has an exceptionally likeable genie. Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images  Storyline  Aladdin is getting married to Jasmine, but is interrupted by the Forty Thieves.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director/Producer Tad Stones for directing effort. Thank you to Associate Producer Jeannine Roussel for making the film possible. Cast includes:Val Bettin, Jim Cummings, Gilbert Gottfried, Linda Larkin, Jerry Orbach, John Rhys-Davies, Scott Weinger, Frank Welker, and Robin Williams.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? Yes. This a suitable film and it contains some back story on Aladdin.  Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

 

THE MEDALLION (Theatrical Release USA 2003)

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Medallion—cool concept and great to see Jackie Chan—does not show Jackie Chan at his best. The fight scenes need better editing. The movie performs at the okay level and does not match to the usual quality of Chan’s movies. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

A Chinese boy is given the power to unite or break a medallion that has the power over death and life. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gordon Chan for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Alfred Cheung for making the film possible. Cast includes: Jackie Chan, Lee Evans, Claire Forlani, Julian Sands, and John Rhys-Davies. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. This movie is somewhat fun to watch and its ‘campiness’ may  help the movie’s watch-ableness. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

CATS DON’T DANCE (Theatrical Release USA 1997)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.4|5.0 Starsìì

Cats Don’t Dance serves at the poor to fair entertainment level with some comedic elements. The introduction plays well until Danny, the cat, arrives in Hollywood; then, the story seems to fall apart little by little with only a few scenes that seem ‘cool’ or interesting. It’s like the writers borrowed from other movies and mixed scenes and dialogue to make a ‘cookie-cutter’ movie. With the exceptions of the Noah’s Ark scene, Darla Dimple and her butler scene, and Max scenes, there is little in this movie to pique interest. The movie lacks charisma and charm. The single film highlight is the comedic coupling of a sweet Shirley-Temple-look-a-like with a very mean, un-Shirley-Temple-like personality. This unique rendition is well-executed by character Darla Dimple.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Danny the cat (voice of Scott Bakula), new to Hollywood, is lucky enough to land a movie part but angers Darla Dimple (voice of Ashley Peldon), the star of the film.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mark Dindal for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Sawyer (voice of Jasmine Guy), Sawyer (singing voice of Natalie Cole), Darla Dimple (singing voice of Lindsay Ridgeway), Tillie Hippo (voice of Kathy Najimy), Woolie Mammoth (voice of John Rhys-Davies), L.B. Mammoth (voice of George Kennedy), and Flanigan (voice of Rene Auberjonois).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. There seems to be no focal point or real reason for this movie.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers